Posted 15 July 2023 by John Donovan
Oh, those pesky environment campaigners are at it again, engaging in yet another round of their never-ending fight with the hardworking directors of oil giant Shell. This time, it’s ClientEarth, who, as luck would have it, is also a shareholder in the company. They are up in arms about Shell’s so-called “climate change strategy” and have the audacity to make a claim about a “breach” of duties by the directors. How dare they?
Despite a High Court judge already dismissing ClientEarth’s claim in May, these persistent campaigners just won’t give up. They now want to make oral arguments, as if their written ones weren’t enough. Lawyers representing the charity had the nerve to ask Mr Justice Trower to reconsider his decision at a High Court hearing in central London. It’s like they think they have a chance or something.
But fear not, Shell is fighting back. They insist that the judge should dismiss ClientEarth’s application for reconsideration. And rightly so! Mr Justice Trower already made it clear that ClientEarth failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their claim. What more do these environmentalists want?
According to ClientEarth, Shell directors have acknowledged the risks of climate change and its impact on the company’s long-term success. But wait, isn’t that what these directors are supposed to do? Silly ClientEarth, thinking they can accuse Shell of breaching their duties with their “irrational” plans. How dare they question the rationality of Shell’s decisions?
Lawyers representing Shell argued that the judge’s ruling in May was flawless and should not be questioned. They even pointed out that ClientEarth received minimal support from other shareholders, as if that matters in the grand scheme of things.
So, let’s all stand together and applaud Shell for bravely fighting off these persistent environmentalists who dare to challenge their actions. After all, who needs a healthy planet when we have profitable oil and gas? Well done, Shell, for standing your ground.
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